Crucial Donation

Boca Raton Man's Foundation Boosts Campaign

July 26, 2009|By Dave Rossman Staff writer

Boca Raton resident Lee Steinberg moved to the area in 2003, just in time to witness the aftermath of a busy hurricane season. He saw how much support the local Red Cross provided to struggling residents and decided to be a benefactor since.

Steinberg recently donated $40,000 to the Red Cross as part of its HEROES Campaign, a six-week fundraising initiative.

"The money was donated through the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation, which my mother is also a part of," he said. "We try to support organizations that make an impact locally, and the Red Cross certainly fits that bill."

Steinberg said he had long known of the Red Cross' work internationally but was unaware of how much assistance it provides to local residents in need.

"We all know how quickly they respond in a storm's aftermath, but they do so much more," he said. "If a local family is displaced by a fire, they are right there with food or anything else they may need. ... I wanted to be involved with an organization that helps everyone regardless of race, gender, age or any other factors."

Larry Casey, CEO of the Red Cross' Greater Palm Beach Area chapter, said donors like Steinberg make all the difference.

"We've set a goal this year to raise $150,000, which will support our long-standing mission of responding to emergencies, providing relief to victims of disaster and teaching individuals how to prevent and prepare for emergencies," Casey said. "Thanks to the generosity of the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation and our loyal supporters, we're that much closer to reaching our goal."

Steinberg has served on the South County Advisory Committee for six years and has been the honorary chairman of the HEROES initiative since it began three years ago.

"The good they do cannot be overstated, and I hope more people will reach out to provide whatever support they can," he said. "It does not have to be a huge dollar amount, and every little bit helps."

For more information or to help, call 561- 994-2060 or visit www.redcross-pbc.org/southcounty.